Naomi Osaka, the world’s No. 2 ranked women’s tennis player, has announced her withdrawal from the French Open, citing concerns for her mental health. Osaka made the announcement on her social media channels on Monday, May 30th, just one day after she was fined $15,000 for refusing to speak to the media during the tournament.
In her statement, Osaka revealed that she has been dealing with depression and anxiety for several years and has experienced bouts of depression since winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2018 US Open. She explained that the pressure of speaking to the media at major tournaments exacerbates her anxiety and negatively impacts her mental health.I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players, and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris, Osaka wrote in her statement.
The decision has received mixed reactions from fans, players, and officials. While some have expressed their support for Osaka’s decision and praised her for prioritizing her mental health, others have criticized her for withdrawing from the tournament and suggested that it sets a bad precedent for other players.
Osaka’s withdrawal comes as a blow to the tournament organizers, who had hoped to see her compete for the title. The 23-year-old has won four Grand Slam titles, including the 2019 Australian Open and the 2020 US Open, and is considered one of the top players in the world.
The French Open will continue without Osaka, and the women’s singles competition remains open for anyone to claim the title.
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